Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Tower. Bear Mountain is primarily a day-use park with magnificent scenery, photo opportunities and hiking for all levels of hikers.

Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park.
	Hessian Lake is located in Bear Mountain State Park. Activities at Hessian Lake include a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access. Enjoy a picnic at the lake followed by a row boat ride.
Click to enlarge photo of View at Perkins Point.
	Perkins Drive, also known as Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower, stand at the summit of Bear Mountain State Park, 1,305 feet above the Hudson River. The tower was completed in 1934 and dedicated to George Walbridge Perkins, the first President and widely regarded founder of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive were built with funds provided by the descendants of George Walbridge Perkins. Perkins Memorial Tower, atop Bear Mountain, affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.
Point of Interest for Kids and Adults The Merry-Go-Round Pavilion at Bear Mountain features hand-painted scenes of the park while the merry-go-round itself features 38 carved renditions of Hudson River Valley animals, including raccoons, bear, deer, eagles, foxes, river otters, and bobcats.

Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park offers activities such as: fishing, paddle boat and rowboat rentals, and picnicking at Hessian Lake. For more activities and attractions go to Bear Mountain State Park.

Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, a zoo and nature, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, and ski-jumps. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park.

Things To Do
Boat Rentals
Fishing
Hiking around the lake
Nature Trail
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Field(s)
Pool

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Ice Skating

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand-painted scenes of the park while the merry-go-round itself features 38 carved renditions of Hudson River Valley animals, including raccoons, bear, deer, eagles, foxes, river otters, and bobcats.

Its rounding boards illustrate the park's early history with hand-painted scenes of the Hudson River, Perkins Tower, Bear Mountain Inn, etc. The music played during the rides was recorded at an original carousel in Rochester, New York, from a 1926 Wurlitzer Pipe Band Organ. Both parents and kids can select their favorite animal and enjoy a ride on this wonderful Merry-Go-Round.

The Journal News reported: "Tradition goes out the window at the Bear Mountain merry-go-round. Riders may perch themselves on the back of a frog, who sports a jaunty vest and bow tie. Then there’s that charming bear who has a honeycomb strapped onto his back, unaware of the bumblebee about to take a taste. This is not your everyday merry-go-round. The Bear Mountain merry-go-round was designed to represent the native animals in the Hudson River Valley. In addition to the animals, two highly decorated benches on the merry-go-round offer another way to ride, while also being easily converted into accessible seating for those in wheelchairs."

A Bit of History about the Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park is a building anchored in a distinguished history. The stone-and-timber pavilion reflects the Adirondack "Great Camp" architectural style that became the model for other Palisades Park buildings such as the 1915 Bear Mountain Inn and, later, the National Park System. The 8,000-square-foot pavilion includes a viewing area, fireplace hearth, catering facilities for small receptions, and snacks and restrooms.

Today's Trailside Museums and Zoo occupy 40-acres on a bluff 250 feet over the Hudson River. The trails, including the first section of the Appalachian Trail, are among the oldest in the country; they link the various homes of Samantha, the eagle, and other birds of prey, the bear den, as well as habitats for beavers, a river otter, foxes, coyotes, and more.

Children enjoy the various presentations of indigenous wildlife, geology and herpetology. On display are Native American artifacts, models of Revolutionary War battles fought on-site, and an exhibit of the origins of the Boy Scouts, and four Museum buildings. See the bald eagle, black bear, owl, river otter and more animals local to Bear Mountain.

The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center also highlight the history of the area. Learn about the importance of Bear Mountain in the American Revolutionary War. Visit historic 1777 & 1779 Trails that retrace the routes taken by the British army during the American War of Independence. Visit Fort Montgomery, a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River and learn about the Battle of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton.

Young children, older children, and adults all enjoy visiting each of the Museum buildings that house different exhibits. Visit the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum, the Geology Museum, History Museum and Nature Study Museum.

The Davies Farmhouse was built in 1836 and was part of a 450-acre farm that ran from Rockland Lake to the Hudson River. Pick your own apples on over 35 acres with 4,000 apple trees.

Attractions
Apple Picking
Trailer rides to the pumpkin patch

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking

Emeline Park is located in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County in the southern Hudson River Valley. This park offers 0.5 miles of walking paths winding through 3 waterfront acres, with gazebo, pavilion, benches and a play area for children.

Emeline Park is set on the western shores of the Hudson River. This Rockland County riverfront park looks out across the Hudson at the river's widest point. Haverstraw Bay is a sweeping expanse of water, the very widest section of the Hudson River. Emeline Park is co-owned by Scenic Hudson and the Village of Haverstraw, and offers spectacular views of the bay and its many boats.

Things To Do
Children's Play Area
Scenic Vistas
Walking Paths

Directions
Heading south on Route 9W in Haverstraw Village, turn left on New Main Street and continue to the end.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Emeline Park.

When you are ready to eat, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Rockland County and nearby areas.

The on premises Farm Store sells produce that they grow in addition to other locally grown produce. The on premises bakery offers pies, cookies and cakes from century old traditional recipes, including the "famous" Apple Cider Donuts, fresh pressed Apple Cider, local honey, and a wide variety of organic foods, sugar free and wheat free products.

Attractions
Farm Store
Organic food options

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking

7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Enjoy things to do in all seasons at one or more of these beautiful lakes. Go fishing in the summer or ice-fishing in the winter. Hike summer, spring, winter, and fall; especially in the fall when the air is cooler and you can see the stunning foliage of autumn in New York. The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.

Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. Enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many fisherman return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.

Things To Do
Birding
Fishing spots in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.

The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.

Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.

Things To Do
Birding / Bird Watching
Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot)
Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats)
Fishing in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails around the lake

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Directions
Directions: Bear Mountain Bridge to 7 Lakes Drive

1. Head west on US-202 W/US-6 W/Bear Mountain Bridge Rd toward Circle DrContinue to follow US-202 W/US-6 W - 0.4 miles

2. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto US-6 W - 2.6 miles

3. Take exit 18 for US-6 toward NY-17/I-87/Central Valley/Seven Lakes Drive - 0.3 miles

4. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto 7 Lakes Drive - 3.4 miles

Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Point,

Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.

Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include: a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice-skating from late October through mid-March.

Perkins Memorial Tower sits 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower afford spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.

Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery.
	Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery Walk the Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery where you will "standon the site of Fort Clinton, which was built along with Fort Montgomery to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts and destroyed them shortly thereafter. "This trail leads down to the Popolopen Creek and across the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Interpretive signs and an audio tour are available to help understand the history of the fort and the battle."

More fun and educational attractions for kids include the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and the Merry-Go-Round featuring 42 hand carved seats of native animals. After a ride on the merry-go-round, visit the zoo and see how many native animals you can recognize. (Perhaps your children can help name the animals.) .

Great kids Attraction - Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.

Great kids Attraction - Trailside Museum and Zoo
There are four museums at Trailside. The Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a variety of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally created by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands in the Geology Museum and local Native American and early settler culture in the History Museum.

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Boat Rentals
Dockage
Fishing (lake and river fishing)
Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn
Hiking Trails / Walking
Merry-Go-Round Pavilion
Nature Trail
Perkins Memorial Drive & Tower
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Fields
Pool (very large pool)
Swimming
Trailside Museums
Zoo and Nature Park

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Skating

Things To Do
Food
Hiking Trails
Picnic Tables
Pool
Showers

Things To Do
Beach
Boat launches
Boating (Canoeing, Kayaking)
Fishing spots in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley
Picnic tables
Playgrounds
Playing fields
Showers
Swimming

Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Lake Sebago Beach at Harriman State Park.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Press blue button for directions and more about Lake Tiorati.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

The word is The beach can get very crowded on summer weekends.

Things To Do
Beach
Boat Launch Sites
Boating
Camping (Beaver Pond Campground)
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Food
Grills
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnicking
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing
Snowmobiling

The park offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two kiddies pools for swimming on the hot days of summer. After a swim, enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables and grills. The park also offers a car-top boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and two golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge; walkers and joggers can use the fitness trail around the lake. Winter visitors enjoy designated cross-country ski trails and sledding slopes.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Fishing
Food
Golf
Hiking Trails / Walking
Nature Trail
Picnic Tables
Playground
Swimming (2 Olympic sized pools and kiddies pool)
Tennis

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding

Things To Do
Biking
Hiking Paths / Walking
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Fields
Showers
Swimming (pool)
Tennis

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing

The Stony Point Battlefield marks the "Battle of Stony Point" and the victory of the American light infantry over the British in a daring midnight raid.

Visit the site of the Battle of Stony Point, one of the last major Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. This is where Brigadier General Anthony Wayne led his corps of Continental Light Infantry in a daring midnight attack on the British, seizing the site's fortifications and taking the British garrison as prisoners on July 16, 1779.

By the late 1770s, the war had been raging for four years and both sides were eager for a conclusion. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of the British forces in America, attempted to coerce General George Washington into one decisive battle to control the Hudson River. As part of his strategy, Clinton fortified Stony Point. Washington devised a plan for Wayne to lead an attack on the fort. Armed with bayonets only, the infantry captured the fort in short order, ending British control of the river.

The site features a museum, which offers exhibits on the battle and the 1826 Stony Point Lighthouse, as well as interpretive programs, such as reenactments highlighting 18th century military life, cannon and musket firings, cooking demonstrations, and children's activities.

Attractions Include
Children's Activities
Costumed Interpreters
Demonstrations
Educational Services
Group Tours
Museum and Visitors Center
Picnic Area

Palisades Centers offers many attractions for kids. Children's activities and attractions include ice skating, a carousel, 68 foot tall Ferris Wheel, bowling alley, and more fun things for kids at the mall.

Children's Attractions
Bowling Alley & Lounge
AMC Loews Stadium 21
Ice Skating Rink (NHL size)
IMAX Theatre

Press blue button for a directory of entertainment and things for kids to do at the Palisades Center Mall and Shopping Plaza.

Great Shopping
Palisades Center Mall offers the best shopping in Rockland County with over 200 specialty stores, including bookstores, electronics, jewelry, shoes, maternity, sports equipment, toys & hobbies, clothing for women, men, and children, and stores for the home including Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Anchor stores include Burlington Coat Factory, JC Penney, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Target, and Home Depot, and brand stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Gap, and more.

Palisades Centers offers many attractions for kids. Children's activities and attractions include ice skating, a carousel, 68 foot tall Ferris Wheel, bowling alley, and more fun things for kids at the mall.

Children's Attractions
Bowling Alley & Lounge
AMC Loews Stadium 21
Ice Skating Rink (NHL size)
IMAX Theatre


Exercise at Palisades Mall
Walking has become America's most popular form of exercise because it is safe, simple and inexpensive. Join your friends and neighbors at Palisades Center for healthful walking at your own pace in climate-controlled comfort.

Press blue button for a directory of stores, restaurants, and more information about the Palisades Center Mall and Shopping Plaza.